Travers Smith's former senior partner Alasdair Douglas (pictured) has been named as the next chairman of the City of London Law Society (CLLS).

Douglas will replace David McIntosh, who is retiring after seven years in the role, as of Monday (13 June). The role is not for a set term but is held on an ongoing basis.

The CLLS highlighted the implementation of the Legal Services Act in October as one of the key challenges for the new chairman, who will have to steer the body through a period of major change as the legal market opens up to outside investors.

Douglas commented: "Few City firms will float or take in outside capital to begin with, but over time this will change. We'll also see unexpected new entrants backed by outside capital. The challenge will be to ensure that the brand – English solicitors – continues to be valued here and abroad and is not devalued as ownership is spread more widely."

Douglas was Travers' senior partner until he retired from the firm in July last year and was replaced by Chris Carroll.